[Regnum] On July 19, Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a comprehensive ceasefire in the province of As-Suwayda, where clashes had previously occurred between Bedouin tribes and the Druze mountain self-defense forces. This was reported by the SANA agency.
“In light of the special circumstances that the country is currently experiencing, <…> the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic announces an immediate comprehensive ceasefire,” the presidential administration said in a statement.
Such measures have been taken in order to put an end to the bloodshed, preserve the unity of Syrian territory and the security of its population, the statement said.
The Syrian government called for an immediate end to hostilities in all areas, protection of civilians and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. They noted that failure to comply with the ceasefire would be considered a violation of the country's sovereignty and would entail legal action.
As reported by the Regnum news agency, the escalation in the Syrian province of Suwayda (a stronghold of the ethno-confessional minority - the Syrian Druze) began on July 13. Bedouin tribes attacked Druze settlements. During the fighting, over 30 people were killed, more than 100 were wounded. The Syrian army provided support to the Bedouin tribes, as a result of attacks by the Druze, several dozen servicemen were killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said they would not allow the Syrian government to harm the Druze. On July 16, the Israeli Air Force struck Syrian military targets in the Daraa and As-Suwayda areas, and also bombed Damascus. One of the strikes, on the Syrian army general headquarters, was broadcast live on local television.